Food comparison

Walnuts vs Macadamia Nuts

Compared on one consistent basis: per 100 g, from USDA data behind each food page.

Walnuts vs Macadamia Nuts: nutrition per 100 g

Per 100 gWalnutsMacadamia Nuts
Calories730 kcal712 kcal
Protein14.6 g7.8 g
Carbohydrate10.9 g24.1 g
Fat69.7 g64.9 g
Fibre5.2 g7.6 g
AllergensTree nutsTree nuts
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g
NutrientWalnutsMacadamia Nuts
Calcium, Ca88.26 mg52.71 mg
Copper, Cu1.21 mg0.45 mg
Folate, DFE98 ug11 ug
Folate, food98 ug11 ug
Folate, total98 ug11 ug
Iron, Fe2.24 mg1.88 mg
Magnesium, Mg142.4 mg106.8 mg
Manganese, Mn3 mg11.3 mg
Niacin1.22 mg2.47 mg
Pantothenic acid0.57 mg0.76 mg
Phosphorus, P365.1 mg208.4 mg
Potassium, K423.5 mg372.6 mg
Riboflavin0.15 mg0.16 mg
Selenium, Se4.9 ug32.62 ug
Thiamin0.23 mg1.2 mg
Vitamin A, IU20 iu0 iu
Vitamin A, RAE1 ug0 ug
Vitamin B-60.66 mg0.28 mg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid1.3 mg1.2 mg
Zinc, Zn2.76 mg1.2 mg
How they differ

Walnuts is higher in protein. Macadamia Nuts is higher in fibre and carbohydrate. That makes Walnuts more relevant when you want protein for fullness or recovery, and Macadamia Nuts when you want more fibre for fullness and digestion.

Bottom line

Per 100 g, Walnuts provides 730 kcal, 14.6 g protein, 10.9 g carbohydrate, 69.7 g fat and 5.2 g fiber; Macadamia Nuts provides 712 kcal, 7.8 g protein, 24.1 g carbohydrate, 64.9 g fat and 7.6 g fiber.

Looking beyond the macronutrients, Walnuts is the better source of folate, zinc, calcium, while Macadamia Nuts is the better source of selenium (see the vitamins and minerals table below).

Macadamias are the lowest-protein, most monounsaturated nut; walnuts have nearly double the protein and are the main nut source of omega-3 ALA. Both are very calorie-dense.

In short: for protein and muscle, Walnuts; for fiber and digestion, Macadamia Nuts. If none of those goals applies, pick by taste, price and what the recipe needs.

Want a different pair? Use the food comparison tool to compare any two foods from the same category.

Values are per 100 g from the USDA FoodData Central records behind each food page and are rounded; brands and preparation change the numbers. This comparison is educational, not medical advice.